Oh, hello there, fellow food lovers! Are you ready for a weeknight dinner revelation? Imagine a meal that’s hearty, packed with savory goodness, and magically comes together in just one pot. No mountains of dishes, just pure, unadulterated comfort. This is exactly what our One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta delivers!
This isn't just any pasta dish; it’s a creamy, dreamy concoction where tender ground beef harmonizes with fragrant garlic, all nestled with perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious, velvety sauce. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone gather around the table, eager for seconds. And the best part? It's ready in about 30 minutes, making it an absolute lifesaver for those busy evenings when time is short but deliciousness is a must!
Why You'll Fall in Love with This One-Pot Wonder
This recipe isn't just about convenience; it's about maximizing flavor with minimal effort:
- Effortless Cleanup: The name says it all! Everything cooks in one pot, drastically cutting down on dish duty.
- Speedy Supper: From start to finish, you're looking at half an hour. That means more time for you and less time in the kitchen.
- Irresistible Flavor: The rich beef, aromatic garlic, and creamy sauce create a profile that’s incredibly satisfying and deeply comforting.
- Family Favorite: Its universally appealing taste and creamy texture make it a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Gather Your Ingredients for Creamy Bliss
You’ll be surprised how a few simple ingredients can create such a spectacular meal. Most of these are likely already staples in your pantry and fridge!
- Ground beef
- Penne pasta (or another robust, short pasta)
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh garlic, minced
- Beef broth
- Heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for a vibrant garnish
Find the exact measurements and detailed steps in the recipe card below to bring this delightful dish to life!
Tips for One-Pot Pasta Perfection
Building a Flavor Base
Don't skimp on browning your beef – that rich caramelization adds incredible depth. And when it comes to garlic, fresh is always best! To make prep even smoother, consider investing in a Quality Chef's Knife, which makes mincing garlic and chopping parsley a breeze.
The Right Pasta
Using a sturdy pasta shape like penne, rotini, or rigatoni is crucial. These shapes hold up well to the one-pot cooking method and provide plenty of nooks and crannies for that glorious creamy sauce.
Adjusting Consistency
As the pasta cooks, it will absorb liquid. If your sauce thickens too much before the pasta is fully cooked, feel free to add a little more beef broth or water, a quarter cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Veggie Boost
Looking to sneak in some greens? Stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking, or sauté diced onions and bell peppers with the ground beef for extra flavor and nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy beef and garlic butter pasta is a meal in itself, but a simple side can complete the experience. A crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or a side of crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that amazing sauce. If you’re a fan of rich beef dishes, you might also enjoy our The Best Ground Beef Stovetop Chili for another comforting option. Or, for a similar flavor profile with a different twist, try Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
Any leftovers will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or beef broth to bring back its creamy texture. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is truly a masterpiece of convenience and flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, special occasions, or simply whenever you crave a comforting, delicious meal without the fuss. We hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your family’s meal rotation!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this one-pot pasta?
Yes, ground turkey is a fantastic lean alternative. Ensure you season it generously during browning to build a rich flavor profile, as turkey can be milder than beef.
What other types of pasta are suitable for this one-pot recipe?
While penne is excellent, other sturdy, medium-sized pasta shapes like rotini, rigatoni, or even farfalle can work well. Just be sure to check the cooking times and adjust the liquid if needed.
How can I prevent the pasta from sticking while cooking in one pot?
Stirring frequently, especially in the initial stages of simmering, is key. Also, ensure there's enough liquid in the pot. If the sauce looks too thick or the pasta seems dry, add a little extra beef broth or hot water.
What vegetables can I add to this creamy beef pasta?
This dish is very adaptable! Sautu00e9 sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers with the beef, or stir in fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking until it wilts for added nutrients and color.
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: High-Protein
Description
A rich and flavorful one-pot pasta dish featuring tender ground beef, aromatic garlic, and al dente pasta coated in a luxurious cream sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 lb ground beef
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
12 oz penne pasta, uncooked
4 cups beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, beef broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
Step 5: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving hot.
Notes
For a bit of heat, add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes with the garlic. You can also add a handful of fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking for extra greens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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